Lubricating device for railway journal boxes



Oct. 25, 1955 K. A. KLINGL.'ER 2,721,772

LUBRICATING DEVICE FOR RAILWAY JOURNAL BOXES Filed June 30, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet l 25 Oct. 25, 1955 K. A. KLINGLER LUBRICATING {DEVICE FOR RAILWAY JOURNAL BOXES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 30, 1952 Oct. 25, 1955 A. KLINGLER LUBRICATING DEVICE FOR RAILWAY JOURNAL BOXES Filed June 30, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 1955 K. A. KLINGLER 2,721,772

LUBRICATING DEVICE FOR RAILWAY JOURNAL BOXES Filed June 50, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 zhgler United States Patent Ofiice 2,721,772 Patented Oct. 25, 1955 LUBRICATIVG DEVICE FOR RAILWAY JOURNAL BOXES Karl A. Klingler, Naperville, Ill.

Application June 30, 1952, Serial No. 296,302 14 Claims. 01. 308-84) The present invention relates generally to lubricating devices for railway journal boxes. More particularly the invention relates to that type of lubricating device which is adapted to be positioned in the sump portion of journal box to which it is applied, serves to supply lubricant in fluid form from the sump portion of the box to the lower peripheral portion of the journal, is insertable into, and removable from, the box by way of the usual cover equipped opening at the outer upper portion of the box, and as its principal parts or components comprises: (1) A frame which is adapted to rest on the bottom wall of the box; (2) an arcuate or trough-like member which is positioned above the frame and is shaped to form a lubricant reservoir around and in direct communication with the lower peripheral portion of the journal; (3) a spring arrangement which extends between theframe and the trough-like member and serves to urge the member upwards into operative relation with the journal; and (4) an inertia variety pump unit which embodies relatively movable casing and plunger parts, has check valves associated with it and operates in response to the usual jarring or jolting of the box to pump fluid lubricant from the sump portion of the box into the reservoir in the troughlike member.

One object of the invention is to provide a railway journal box lubricating device which is animprovement upon, and has certain inherent advantages over, previously designed devices of the same general type and is characterized by high efficiency, simplicity of design and low cost of manufacture.

Another object of the invention isto provide a lubricating device of the aforementioned type in whichthe pump unit is located directly outwards of the journal so that when the cover of the box is open it is readily accessible for inspection or repair, and is mounted on one end of an elongated arm-like supporting structure, the other end of which is resiliently connected to the frame.

Another object of the invention is to provide a journal box lubricating device of the type and character last mentioned in which the pump unit is mounted removably on the one end of the supporting structure so that in the event it becomes inoperative it may be replaced without removing the other parts of the device from the journal box.

Another object of the invention is to provide a journal box lubricating device in which the pump outlet is connected to the reservoir in the trough-like member by gooseneck variety piping to the end that should the pump unit fail to operate the fluid lubricant in the reservoir in the trough-like member cannot back-flow or drain through the unit into the sump portion of the journal box.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lubricating device of the type and character under consideration in which the arm-like supporting member for the pump unit has simple and novel means for limiting lateral or transverse movement thereof and is resiliently connected to the frame of the device by a block of rubbery material.

Another object of the invention is to provide a railway journal box lubricating device which embodies simple and novel means for releasably holding or locking the trough-like member in a collapsed position with respect to the frame in order that the device may be readily inserted into place in the journal box and also removed from the box.

A further object of the invention is to provide a journal box lubricating device of the type under consideration in which the trough-like member, the frame and the pump unit are constructed in a novel manner.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a railway journal box lubricating device which is generally of new and improved construction and embodies a novel arrangement of parts.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present railway journal box lubricating device will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section of a railway journal box having applied thereto a lubricating device embodying the invention, parts of the device being shown in section and other parts being shown in elevation;

Figure 2 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 22 of Figure 1, illustrating in detail the arrangement and manner of mounting of the pump unit and showing the gooseneck variety piping for conducting pumped fluid lubricant from the outlet of the pump unit to the reservoir in the troughlike member;

Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1, showing in detail the cross sectional construction of the trough-like member and illustrating the arrangement and design of certain of the parts of the spring arrangement for urging the trough-like member upwards into operative relation with the journal;

Figure 4 is a vertical section of the pump unit of the device showing the plunger part of the unit in its up position with respect to the casing part and also showing the upper check valve closed and the lower check valve open;

Figure 5 is a section like Figure 4 except that it shows the plunger part of the pump unit in its down position and shows the upper check valve open and the lower check valve closed; 7

Figure 6 is a perspective of the lower check valve-of the pump unit;

Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal section of the device showing the trough-like member in collapsed position with respect to the frame;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the device;

Figure 9 is a perspective of the frame, the elongated arm-like supporting structure and the pump unit of the device; and

Figure 10 is a section taken on the line 1010 of Figure 4 and showing in detail the manner in which the pump unit is removably mounted with respect to the armlike supporting structure of the device.

The lubricating device which is shown in the drawings constitutes the preferred form or embodiment of the invention. It is essentially of unitary character and is primarily adapted for use in. connection with a railway journal box 11 and a journal 12. The journal box 11 is of standard or conventional construction and consists of a bottom wall 13, a pair of side walls 14, a top wall 15, an outer end wall 16 and an inner end wall 17. The bottom wall 13 of the journal box has a concave upper surface and defines with the lower portion of the side walls 14 and the outer and inner end walls 16 and 17 a sump 18 for a shallow body of fluid lubricant. It is contemplated that the lubricant will be oil of such character that its viscosity remains substantially constant throughout a wide range of temperature. The side walls 14 of the journal box extend upwards from the side portions of the bottom wall 13 and are arranged in substantially parallel relation. The top wall overlies and is spaced above the bottom wall and has its side portions connected to the upper portions of the side walls 14. The outer end wall 16 has in the upper portion thereof an opening 19 whereby access may be had to the interior of the journal box. The opening 19 is normally closed by a hinged cover (not shown). The inner end wall 17 of the journal box has a centrally disposed large sized circular opening 20 and embodies around the opening a continuous groove 21. The journal 12 is disposed in the central portion of the interior of the journal box 11 and is connected to, and forms a part of, one end of a horizontal axle 22. The end of the axle to which the journal 12 is connected extends loosely through the circular opening 20 in the inner end wall 17 of the journal box and is surrounded by a gasket 23. The latter has its outer marginal portion disposed in the continuous groove 21 in the inner end wall 17 and serves to prevent leakage of the fluid lubricant through the circular opening 20. The upper peripheral portion of the journal 12 is surmounted by a bearing blocl; 24 and a so-called wedge '25. The wedge is interposed between the bearing block 24 and the journal box top wall 15.

The lubricating device is insertable into, and removable from, the lower portion of the journal box interior via the opening 19 in the upper portion of the outer end wall 16 of the journal box and serves, when in place, to supply fluid lubricant from the sump 18 to the lower peripheral portion of the journal 12. It operates in response to jarring or jolting of the box and as its principal parts or components comprises a frame 26, a trough-like member 27, a spring arrangement 28 between the frame 26 and the trough-like member, an elongated arm-like supporting structure 29, and an inertia variety pump unit 30.

The frame 26 of the lubricating device is horizontally elongated and consists of a longitudinally extending metallic strip 31 and a pair of transversely extending metallic strips 32. When the device is in its operative position in the lower portion of the journal box interior the frame 26 rests on, and extends lengthwise of, the bottom wall 13 of the box. It is contemplated that the metallic stock of which the strips 31 and 32 are formed The trough-like member 27 is horizontally elongated and is spaced above, and extends lengthwise of the frame 26. It fits around the lower peripheral portion of the journal 12 when the device is in its operative position and is formed of molded synthetic rubber or other resilient and elastic material which is unaffected by hydrocarbons. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the trough-like member 27 is disposed above the body of fluid lubricant in the sump 18 when the device is in its operative position. The end portions of the trough-like member 27 have resilient upwardly and outwardly inclined lips 36 and the side portions of the member have resilient upwardly extending lips 37. Such lips, i. e., the lips 36 and 37, define with the top surface of the trough-like member a liquid lubricant reservoir 38 which, when the device is in its operative position, is in direct communication with the lower peripheral portion of the journal 12 and serves to coat such portion with fluid lubricant. The upwardly and outwardly inclined lips 36 on the end portions of the member 27 are adapted yieldingly to engage the adjacent portions of the lower peripheral portion of the journal and serve to prevent fluid lubricant from oveflowing or spilling over the end portions of the reservoir 38 except when the reservoir is supplied with a surplus or overabundance of fluid lubricant by the pump unit 30. The resilient upwardly extending lips 37 on the side portions of the trough-like member 27 have longitudinal series of transversely extending flutes or grooves 39 in their inner surfaces in order that during rotation of the journal 12 the fluid lubricant which is applied to the journal from the reservoir 38 is permitted to travel out of the reservoir to the bearing block 24. The trough-like member 27 has formed in its upper surface at locations small distances will be of such character and thickness that such strips will berigid. The longitudinally extending strip 31 of the frame 26 is adapted to rest on the central portion of the journal box bottom wall 13 and has the inner end thereof bent upwards on an arc in order to form a curved guide element 33 which serves to facilitate sliding of the frame 26 into and out of place. The other end of the longitudinally extending strip, 31, i. e., the outer end, is bent upwards and then outwards to form a tongue 34, the function or purpose of which will be defined in detail hereafter. The transversely extending strips 32 of the frame 26 are spaced laterally apart and have beveled ends which, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3, rest on certain portions of the journal box bottom wall 13 when the device is in its operative position. The central portions of the strips 32 overlie the longitudinally extending strip 31 and are riveted, welded or otherwise fixedly secured thereto. The end portions of the transversely extending strips 32 project beyond the side edges of the strip 31 and are provided on the upper surfaces thereof with disc-like lugs 35. The latter are suitably secured to the end portions of the transversely extending strips 32 and are for use in connection with the spring arrangement 28.

inwards of the lips 36 two transversely extending grooves 40. The latter are vertically aligned with the transversely extending strips 32 of the frame 26 and form seats for two spaced apart transversely extending rigid inserts 41. Such inserts serve to prevent distortion of the trough-like member 27 by the spring arrangement 28. They are removably secured in place by rib and notch connections 42 and have on the upper portions thereof tiltably mounted crescent shaped members 43. Each insert 41 is preferably provided with two crescent shaped members 43. Such members are adapted to fit against and to adjust themselves to the superjacent portions of the periphery of the journal 12 when the lubricating device is in its operative position. The inserts 41 and the crescent shaped members 43 are preferably formed of molded plastic material and serve as spacers for maintaining the proper shape of the rubber trough-like member 27. By having the crescent shaped members 43 tiltably mounted they automatically adapt themselves to journals that vary in diameter. The trough-like member 27 is provided on the bottom surface thereof with two U-shaped sheet metal clip 44. The latter are cemented or otherwise fixedly secured in place and directly underlie the rigid inserts 41. They are vertically aligned with the transversely extending strips 32 of the frame 26 and have the end portions of the horizontal parts thereof deflected upwards to form inverted cup-shaped members 45 which fit within downwardly facing sockets 46 in the superjacent portions of the trough-like member 27. As best shown in Figure 3, the inverted cup-shaped members 45 are aligned vertically with the disc-like lugs 35 on the end portions of the strips 32.

The spring arrangement 28 is interposed between the frame 26 and the trough-like member 27. It serves to urge the member 27 upwards into operative relation with the lower peripheral portion of the journal 12 and consists of four vertically extending spiral compression springs 47. The lower ends of the springs extend around, and are held against lateral displacement by, the lugs 35 on the'endjportions of the transversely extending strips '32and the upper ends of the springs fit within the inverted cup-shaped members 45 on the end portions of the hori- Zontal parts of the sheet metal clips 44. Associated with the spring arrangement 28 is a pair of crossed flexible element 48 and 49 for holding the trough-like member 27 against transverse displacement with respect to the frame 26. The lower end of the flexible element 48 is connected by a hook to one end of one of the strips 32 and the upper end of the flexible element 48 is connected by a hook to the opposite end portion of the superjacent clip 44. The lower end of the flexible element 49 is connected by a hook to the other end of the one strip 32 and the upper end of the element 49 is connected by a hook to the opposite end portion of the superjacent clip 44. Also asso ciated with the spring arrangement 28 is a pair of crossed flexible elements 50 and 51 for holding the trough-like member 27 against longitudinal displacement relatively to the frame 26. As shown in Figure 1, the lower end of the flexible element 50 is connected by a hook to one side margin of the innermost strip 32 and the upper end of the element 50 is connected by a hook to the outer side margin of the outermost clip 44. The lower end of the flexible element 51 is connected by a hook to one side margin of the outermost strip 32 and the upper end of the element 51 is connected by a hook to one side margin of the innermost clip 44. When it is desired to install the lubricating device the trough-like member 27 is shifted downwards towards the frame 26 into a collapsed position (see Figure 7). Thereafter the device is inserted through the opening 19 in the outer end wall 16 of the journal box and is slid downwards and inwards under the journal 12. After sliding of the device to the proper position under the journal the trough-like member 27 is released in order that the compression springs 47 force the member upwards into operative relation with the lower peripheral portion of the journal 12.

The elongated arm-like supporting structure 29 serves movably to support the pump unit 30 so that the latter, in response to jarring or jolting of the journal box, effects the desired pumping of fluid lubricant from the sump 18 into the reservoir 38 for journal lubricating purposes. It is of three part construction and consists of a substantially horizontal fork-shaped part 52, a vertical shield part 53 and a tubular holder part 54. The fork-shaped part 52 is spaced a small distance above, and extends lengthwise of, the outer end of the longitudinally extending strip 31 of the frame 26 and consists of a stem 55 and a pair of furcations 56. The stem 55 of the fork-shaped part 52 overlies the central portion of the strip 31 and is yieldingly connected thereto by way of a block 57 of synthetic rubber or like resilient material. The block is suitably mounted on the central portion of the strip 31 and has a horizontal open ended bore 58 in which the inner end of the stem 55 fits snugly. A crosspin 59 at right angles to the bore 58 extends through aligned holes in the inner end of the stem 55 and the side portions of the block 57 and serves to hold the stem in connected relation with the block. The block, as the result of being formed of resilient material, permits the elongated arm-like supporting structure 29 to move transversely in all directions, i. e., sidewise and up and down, in response to jarring or jolting of the journal box 11. The furcations 56 of the fork-shaped part 52 are connected to, and formed integrally with, the outer end of the stem 55 and extend in the direction of the outer end wall 16 of the journal box. They are spaced laterally apart and have at their free ends integral enlargements 60. As shown in Figures 1, 7 and 8, the furcations 56 are such that the enlargements 60 at their free ends are disposed outwards of the outer end of the journal 12. The vertical shield part 53 of the supporting structure 29 is in the form of a metallic plate, and fits against, and is welded or otherwise fixedly secured to, the enlargements 60 at the free ends of the furcations 56. The side portions of the shield part 53 are provided with a pair of oppositely extending integral arms 61. The outer ends of these arms are provided with rubber pads 62 which are normally disposed small distances inwards of the side wall 14 of the journal box and coact with the side walls to limit lateral swinging movement of the elongated arm-like supporting structure 29 relatively to the frame 26. The lower portion of the shield part 53 of the supporting structure 29 is provided with a horizontal slot 63 in which the tongue 34 on the outer end of the strip 31 fits loosely. The tongue 34 coacts with the slot defining portion of the shield part 53 to limit up and down movement of the supporting structure 29 relatively to the frame 26. The shield part 53 is disposed between the outer end of the journal 12 and the outer end wall 16 of the journal box. The tubular holder part 54 is disposed directly outwards of the shield part 53 of the supporting structure 29 and is arranged so that it extends at approximately a angle with respect to the vertical. It is cylindrical and has open upper and lower ends. The portion of the outer surface of the holder part that is adjacent the shield part 53 fits within, and is welded or otherwise fixedly secured to, an arcuate seat 64 in the central portion of the shield part 53. The holder part 54 of the yieldably mounted supporting structure 29 is shaped to receive the pump unit 30.

The inertia variety pump unit 30 operates when the device is in its operative position to pump fluid lubricant from the sump 18 into the reservoir 38 that is formed by the trough-like member 27. It is removably mounted in the holder part 54 of the elongated armlike supporting structure 29 and comprises a casing part 65 and a plunger part 66 together with a lower check valve 67 and an upper check valve 68. The casing part 65 of the pump unit is cylindrical and open ended and is shaped conformably to, and is adapted to fit slidably Within, the tubular holder part 54 of the supporting structure 29. The upper end of the casing part 65 is provided with an integral outwardly and upwardly extending annular flange 69, the lower end of which coacts with the upper end of the holder part 54 to limit downward sliding movement of the casing part 65 with respect to the holder part 54. The lower end of the casing part 65 of the pump unit is provided with an external annular groove 70 and has a screw threaded counter-bore 71, the upper end of which is defined by a downwardly facing shoulder 72. The pump unit is releasably held in place in the holder part 54 of the supporting structure 29 by a pair of Lshaped latches 73. The latter are positioned on opposite sides of the holder part 54 and consist of long legs 74 and short legs 75. The long legs extend lengthwise of the holder part 54 and the short legs 75 are connected to, and extend inwards from, the lower ends of the long legs and are arranged so that when the pump unit is in place in the holder part their inner ends are in alignment with the annular groove 67 in the lower end of the easing part 65. The latches are pivotally mounted by way of horizontal pivot pins 76 which extend through apertured lugs 77 on the lower portions of the long legs '74 and apertured lugs 78 on the central portion of the tubular holder part 54. Wire springs 79 serve to urge the latches into their latched position wherein the inner ends of the short legs 75 are in interlocked relation with the external annular flange 67 in the lower end of the casing part 65. Such springs comprise coil parts around the pivot pins 76 and upwardly divergent arm parts, the outer of which bear against the central portions of the long legs 74 and the inner of which bear against the central portion of the holder part 54. When it is desired to remove the pump unit 30 for repair or replacement the upper ends of the long legs 74 are pressed towards one another. This results in outward swinging of the short legs 75 and resultant release of the pump unit. As soon as the latches are in their released position the. pump unit is free so that it may be slid upwards out of the holder part 54 of the supporting structure 59. When it is desired to mount the pump unit in place with respect to the supporting structure the lower end of the casing part 65 is first aligned with the upper end of the holder part 75. Thereafter the pump unit is slid downwards until the lower end of the annular flange 69 abuts against, and is arrested by, the upper end of the holder part 54. As soon as the pump unit is slid downwards to its fullest extent the springs 79 swing the latches 73 into their aforementioned latched position wherein the inner ends of the short legs '75 are in interlocked relation with the groove 67 and hold the pump unit against upward sliding movement with respect to the holder part 54. The plunger part 66 of the pump unit 30 is loosely mounted in the casing part 65 so that it and the casing part are capable of moving upwards and downwards relatively to one another in connection with transverse movement of the supporting structure 29 due to the jarring or jolting of the journal box 11. It has a centrally disposed longitudinally extending open ended bore 80 and is yieldingly supported at its upper end by a flexible diaphragm 81 of synthetic rubber, such, for example as neoprene or Thiokol. The central portion of the diaphragm is cemented or otherwise fixedly secured to the upper end of the plunger part 66 and the outer marginal portion of the diaphragm is clamped between the upper end of the casing part 65 and a ring type nut 82 which fits within, and is connected by a screw thread to, the inner surface of the flange 69 at the upper end of the easing part 65. The diaphragm 81, due to its flexibility, supports the plunger part 66 so that it and the casing part are capable of moving up and down one relatively to the other as heretofore indicated. The lower end of the casing part constitutes the inlet for the pump unit and the upper end of the casing part constitutes the outlet for the pump unit. The inlet for the pump unit is connected to receive fluid lubricant from the sump 18 in the bottom portion of the journal box by way of a curved tube 83, the lower end of which extends into the sump 18 and the upper end of which is provided with an outwardly extending annular flange 84. If desired, the tube 83 may be formed of synthetic rubber or other like flexible material. The flange 84 at the upper end of the tube fits Within the central portion of the counter-bore 71 in the lower end of the casing part 65 and is clamped against a washer 85 by a ring nut 86. The latter surrounds the upper end of the tube 83 and has a screw thread connection between it and the lower end of the counter-bore 71. of the pump unit is connected to the fluid lubricant reservoir 38 by a trumpet shaped conduit 87, a horizontally extending pipe 88 and a U-shaped pipe 89. The trumpet shaped conduit 87 is formed of molded synthetic rubber or like material and has at the large end thereof an integral inwardly extending annular flange 98 which fits snugly but removably in an external annular groove 91 in the upper end of the flange 69 on the upper end of the casing part 65. The small end of the trumpet shaped conduit 87 is suitably connected to one end of the pipe 88 and is disposed at a higher elevation than the fluid lubricant reservoir 38. The U-shaped pipe 89 is disposed in a substantially vertical plane and extends lengthwise of the frame 26. One end portion of the pipe 89 is located at one side of the pump unit 30, as shown in Figure 2 and has at its upper extremity a removable cap 92. The other end portion of the pipe 89 is disposed in a vertically extending hole 93 in the outer end of the trough-like member 27 and communicates with the reservoir 38 via the .hole. The end of the pipe 88 that is opposite the small .end of the trumpet shaped conduit 87 is connected t the outer end portion of the pipe 89 at a point beneath :the removable cap 92. When the pump unit is in operation as hereafter described, fluid lubricant flows upwards The outlet through the flexible tube 83 and then, after passing through the pump unit, flows to the reservoir 38 via the trumpet shaped conduit 87, the pipe 88 and the U-shaped pipe 89. The conduit 87 and the pipes 88 and 89 constitute or exemplify gooseneck variety piping whereby the pump unit is so connected to the reservoir 38 that in the event the pump unit becomes inoperative there can be no back-flow of lubricant from the reservoir through the pump unit to the sump. When the pump unit is in working condition there is fluid lubricant in the outer end portion of the U-shaped pipe 89 up to the level of the pipe 88 If the fluid lubricant in such end portion of the U-shaped pipe drops below such level it is an indication that the pump unit is not in working condition and should be repaired or replaced. When the cap 92 is removed the level of the fluid lubricant in the outer end portion of the U-shaped tube 89 may be readily determined. The lower check valve 67 of the pump unit is disposed in the counter-bore 71 in the lower end of the casing part and may, if desired, be like one of those that form the subject matter of my copending United States patent application Serial No. 282,316, filed on April 15, 1952. It comprises a disc-like body 94 which is formed of resilient rubbery material and has in the central portion thereof a pair of opposed hinged lips 95. The outer marginal portion of the body 94 is clamped between the washer and a washer 96, the outer margin of which is in abutment with the annular downwardly facing shoulder 72. The lips 95 are so arranged and designed that when suction is created in the casing part 65 due to upward movement or displacement of the plunger part 66 with respect to the casing part, they swing open, as shown in Figure 4, and permit fluid lubricant to be drawn upwards into the interior of the casing part. The lips are also so constructed and designed that when pressure is created in the interior of the casing part 65 due to downward displacement of the plunger part, they swing together into a closed position, as shown in Figure 5, and prevent back-flow or" fluid lubricant through the tube 83. The upper check valve 68 of the pump unit is in the form of a pair of opposed hinged lips 97 which overlie the upper end of the bore 80 in the plunger part 66 and are formed as integral parts of the central portion of the flexible diaphragm 81. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lips 97 constituting the upper check valve 68 are so designed and arranged that when suction is created in the casing part 65 they swing into a closed position wherein they are in abutting relation and prevent back-flow of pumped fluid lubricant from the trumpet shaped conduit 87. They are also so arranged and designed that when pressure is created in the interior of the casing part 65 they automatically swing apart into an open position and permit fluid lubricant to flow upwards into the conduit 87 for ultimate delivery to the reservoir 38 in the trough-like member 27. When the journal box 11 and the journal 12 are subjected to vibration, jarring or jolting the pump unit moves back and forth either sidewise or up and down. Such movement on the part of the pump unit results in the casing part and the plunger part of the pump unit moving relatively to one another. Such movement on the part of the casing and plunger parts results in fluid lubricant being drawn from the sump 18 via the tube 83 and forced under pressure into the reservoir 38 via the conduit 87 and the pipes 88 and 89. By reason of the fact that the pump unit 30 is located between the outer end of the journal 12 and the outer end wall 16 of the journal box it is readily accessible. Due to the fact that the pump unit is maintained by the holder part 54 of the supporting structure 29 at approximately a 60 angle with respect to the vertical it operates to pump fluid lubricant to the reservoir 38 in response to jarring in a sidewise direction as well as up and down. By reason of the fact that the pump unit issupported by the elongated arm-like supporting structure 29 the jarring or jolting which causes it to operate is materially amplified or increased and hence jarring or jolting of comparatively small magnitude results in pump operation.

In addition to the parts heretofore mentioned the lubricating device comprises releasable means for holding or looking the trough-like member 27 in a collapsed position adjacent the frame 26 in order to facilitate sliding of the device into and out of its operative position. Such means is in the form of a flexible element 98, such, for example, as a strong cord or a small sized wire cable of the spiral strand type. One end of the flexible element 98 is suitably anchored to the inner end of the longitudinally extending strip 31 of the frame 26. From the inner end of the strip 31 the flexible element extends upwards and outwards to the bottom part of the innermost clip 44, then passes through a depending eye 99 on said bottom part of the innermost clip, then extends downwards and outwards, then extends through an upstanding eye 100 on the central portion of the strip 31, then extends outwards in parallel relation with the strip 31, then extends through an upstanding eye 101 in spaced apart relation with the eye 100, then extends upwards and forwards to the bottom part of the outermost clip 44, then passes through a depending eye 102 on said bottom part of the outermost clip, then extends downwards and outwards to the outer end of the strip 31, then extends through an upstanding eye 103 on said outer end of the strip 31, then extends upwards and outwards, and finally passes through a notch 104 in one side portion of the shield part 53 of the supporting structure 29. When the outer or free end of the flexible element 98 is pulled the trough-like member 27 is shifted downwards into a collapsed position adjacent the frame 26, as shown in Figure 7 of the drawings. The outer or free end of the flexible element is provided with a knot 105 which, after pulling of the element to collapse the trough-like member 27, is adapted to be positioned in front of the portion of the shield part 53 that defines the notch 104 (see Figure 7). When the knot is positioned in front of the notch 104 the trough-like member 27 is releasably held in its collapsed position. When it is desired to release the member so that the spiral compression springs 47 shift the member upwards into operative relation with the lower peripheral portion of the journal the portion of the flexible element 98 that has the knot 105 is shifted laterally out of the notch 104. As soon as the knot 105 is disengaged from the notch 104 release of the outer end of the flexible element results in the springs 47 shifting the trough-like member 27 upwards.

When it is desired to install the lubricating device in the journal box 11 the trough-like member 27 is collapsed by pulling on the outer end of the flexible element 98 as heretofore mentioned. After the member is collapsed to the desired extent the knot 105 on the outer end of the flexible element is shifted in front of the notch 104 so that it serves to hold the troughlike member in its collapsed position. After collapsing of the trough-like member the device is slid into place through the opening 19 in the upper portion of the outer end wall 16 of the journal box. After shift of the device into place the knot 105 is disengaged from the notch 104 to the end that the springs 47 shift the troughlike member 27 upwards into abutting relation with the lower peripheral portion of the journal 12. When the device is in its operative position the pump unit 30 is disposed outwards of the outer end of the journal and, as previously pointed out, is readily accessible via the opening 19. After installation of the device the pump unit is repeatedly tapped by the finger in order to pump fluid lubricant from the sump 18 intothe reservoir 38. After filling of the reservoir manual tapping of the pump unit is discontinued and the device is in readiness automatically to operate by the usual jarring or jolting that attends travel of the journal box and journal. In the event that it is necessary to replace the pump unit 30 the inwardly extending annular flange on the inner end of the trumpet shaped conduit 87 is removed from the external annular groove 91 in the flange 29 on the upper end of the casing part 65 of the pump unit. Thereafter the latches 73 are swung into unlatched position so as to release the pump unit so that it may be removed from the holder part 54 of the supporting structure 29 by sliding it upwards. Should it be necessary to remove the entire lubricating device for any reason whatsoever the trough-like member 27 is shifted into its collapsed position as heretofore mentioned. After the member is locked in such position the device is slid forwards and upwards and then removed from the journal box via the opening 19 in the upper portion of the outer end wall 16.

The herein described lubricating device effectively and efliciently fulfills its intended purpose and involves a novel arrangement of parts. It is capable of being produced at a comparatively low cost and may be installed and removed with facility. By reason of the fact that the pump unit 30 is normally disposed outwards of the outer end of the journal and is removably mounted it is possible not only readily to inspect the unit but also to replace it when necessary.

Whereas the lubricating device has been described in connection with a railway journal box and journal it is to be understood that it may be used with any journal box and journal which, in connection with movement or travel thereof, are subjected to jarring and jolting. It is also to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to the details set forth since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination with a railway journal box having an access opening in the upper portion of its outer end wall, a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant and an axle opening in the central portion of its inner end wall, and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal that is positioned above the sump and has its outer end spaced inwards of said outer end wall of the journal box; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box and comprising a frame resting on the bottom wall of the journal box, a trough-like member positioned above the frame and shaped to form a lubricant reservoir around, and in direct communication with, the lower peripheral portion of the journal, spring means disposed between the frame and the member and arranged to urge the member upwards against said lower peripheral portion of the journal, and a unitary inertia type pump unit formed separately from, and independent of, the member, pro vided with resilient means whereby it is movably supported in the sp'ace between the outer end of the journal and the outer end Wall of the journal box and so that it is directly accessible via said access opening, mounted so that it is removable through said axis opening independently of said trough-like member, embodying relatively movable casing and plunger parts together with check valves, having an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and an outlet provided with means for connecting it to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to jarring or jolting of the box to pump lubricant from the sump into the reservoir for application to the journal.

2. In combination with a railway journal box having an access opening in the upper portion of its outer end wall, a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant and an axle opening in the central portion of its inner end wall,

and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal that is positioned above the sump and has its outer end spaced inwards of said outer end wall of the journal box; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box, adapted to be inserted into place and removed therefrom via said access opening and comprising a frame resting on the bottom wall of the journal box, a trough-like member positioned above the frame and shaped to form a lubricant reservoir around, and in direct communication with, the lower peripheral portion of the journal, spring means disposed between the frame and the member and arranged to urge the member upwards against said lower peripheral portion of the journal, and a unitary inertia type pump unit formed separately from, and independent of, the member, provided with resilient means whereby it is supported for limited movement in the space between the outer end of the journal and the lower portion of the outer end wall of the journal box and so that it is directly accessible via said access opening, embodying relatively movable casing and plunger parts together with check valves, having an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and an outlet provided with gooseneck piping leading to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to jarring or jolting of the box to pump lubricant from the sump into the reservoir for application to the journal, said gooseneck piping being so arranged and designed that in the event of failure of the pump unit it prevents the lubricant in the reservoir from backfiowing through the unit to the sump.

3. In combination with a railway journal box having a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant and an axle opening in the central portion of one of its end walls, and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal above the sump; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box and comprising a frame resting on the bottom wall of the journal box and provided with an upstanding block of resilient material, a trough-like member positioned above the frame and shaped to form a lubricant reservoir around, and in direct communication with, the lower peripheral portion of the journal, spring means disposed between the frame and the member and arranged to urge the member upwards against said lower peripheral portion of the journal, a substantially horizontal arm-like supporting structure disposed between the frame and member and connected at one end thereof to the block so that it moves transversely back and forth in response to jarring and jolting of the journal box, and an inertia type pump unit mounted on the other end of the supporting structure, embodying relatively movable casing and plunger parts together with check valves, having an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and an outlet pro vided with means for connecting it to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to transverse movement of said supporting structure to pump lubricant from the sump into the reservoir for application to the journal.

4. In combination with a railway journal box having an access opening in the upper portion of its outer end wall, a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant, and an axle opening in the central portion of its inner end wall, and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal that is positioned above the sump and has its outer end spaced inwards of the outer end wall of the journal box; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box, adapted to be inserted into place and removed therefrom via said access opening and comprising a horizontally elongated frame resting on, and extending lengthwise of, the bottom wall of the journal box and provided inwards of its outer end with a resilient mounting element, a trough-like member positioned above the frame and shaped to form a lubricant reservoir around, and in direct communication with, the lower peripheral portion of the journal, spring means disposed between the frame and the member and arranged to urge the member upwards against said lower peripheral portion of the journal, a substantially horizontal arm-like supporting structure disposed over and lengthwise of the frame, connected at its inner end to the mounting element so that it moves transversely back and forth in response to jarring or jolting of the journal box, having its outer end free and of such length that it terminates in the space between the outer end of the journal and the outer end wall of the journal box when the device is in place, and embodying on its outer end a fixed tubular open ended holder part, and an inertia type pump unit mounted removably in the holder part, embodying relatively movable casing and plunger parts, having an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and an outlet provided with means for connecting it to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to transverse movement of said supporting structure to pump lubricant from the sump into the reservoir for application to the journal.

5. In combination with a railway journal box having an access opening in the upper portion of its outer end wall, a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant, and an axle opening in the central portion of its inner end wall, and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal that is positioned above the sump and has its outer end spaced inwards of the outer end wall of the journal box; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box, adapted to be inserted into place and removed therefrom via said access opening and comprising a horizontally elongated frame resting on, and extending lengthwise of, the bottom wall of the journal box and provided inwards of its outer end with a resilient mounting element, a trough-like m mber positioned above the frame and shaped to form a lubricant reservoir around, and in direct communication with, the lower peripheral portion of the journal, spring means disposed between the frame and the member and arranged to urge the member upwards against said lower peripheral portion of the journal, a substantially horizontal arm-like supporting structure disposed over and lengthwise of the frame, conected at its inner end to the mounting element so that it moves both laterally and up and down in response to jarring and jolting of the journal box, having its outer end free and of such length that it terminates in the space between the outer end of the journal and the outer end wall of the journal box when the device is in place, and provided on its outer end with a transversely extending plate-like shield part having at the sides thereof oppositely extending substantially horizontal arms, the outer ends of which are normally spaced inwards small distances from the journal box side walls and coact with the latter to limit lateral back and forth movement of the supporting structure, and an inertia type pump unit mounted on the outer end of the supporting structure, embodying relatively movable casing and plunger parts, having an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and an outlet provided with means for connecting it to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to transverse movement of said supporting structure to pump lubricant from the sump into the reservoir for application to the journal.

6. In combination with a railway journal box having an access opening in the upper portion of its outer end wall, a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant, and an axle opening in the central portion of its inner end wall, and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal that is positioned above the sump and has its outer end spaced inwards of the outer end wall of the journal box; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box, adapted to be inserted into place and removed therefrom via said access opening and comprising a horizontally elongated frame resting on, and extending lengthwise of, the bottom wall of the journal box and provided inwards of its outer end with a resilient mounting element, a trough-like member positioned above the frame and shaped to form a lubricant reservoir around, and in direct communication with, the lower peripheral portion of the journal, spring means disposed between the frame and the member and arranged to urge the member upwards against said lower peripheral portion of the journal, a substantially horizontal arm-like supporting structure disposed over and lengthwise of the frame, connected at its inner end to the mounting element so that it moves both laterally and up and down in response to jarring or jolting of the journal box, having its outer end free and of such length that it terminates in the space between the outer end of the journal and the outer end wall of the journal box when the device is in place, and provided on its outer end with a transversely extending plate-like shield member having a loose tongue and notch connection between its lower portion and the outer end of the frame for limiting'up and down movement of the supporting structure, and an inertia type pump unit mounted on the outer end of the supporting structure, embodying relatively movable casing and plunger parts, having an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and an outlet provided with means for connecting it to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to transverse movement of said supporting structure to pump lubricant from the pump into the reservoir for application to the journal.

7. In combination with a railway journal box having a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant and an axle opening in the central portion of one of its end walls, and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal above the sump; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box and comprising a frame resting on the bottom wall of the journal box, a trough-like member positioned above the frame and adapted to form a lubricant reservoir around, and in direct communication with, the lower peripheral portion of the journal, spring means disposed between the frame and the member and arranged to urge the member upwards against said lower peripheral portion of the journal, and an elongated inertia type pump unit associated with, but independent of, the frame and member, provided with means for mounting it in the journal box so that it extends at an angle of approximately 60 with respect to the vertical, embodying relatively movable casing and plunger parts, having at the lower end thereof an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and at its upper end an outlet provided with means for connecting it to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to jarring or jolting of the journal box to pump lubricant from the sump into the reservoir for application to the journal box.

8. In combination with a railway journal box having a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant and an axle opening in the central portion of one of its end walls, and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal above the sump; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box and comprising a frame resting on the bottom wall of the journal box, a trough-like member positioned above the frame, formed of resilient rubbery material provided along the side and end margins thereof with upstanding integral journal engaging lips that define an open top reservoir between them and embodying within, and transversely of, the reservoir a pair of spaced apart rigid journal engaging inserts, vertically extending compression springs extending between the frame and the portions of the trough-like member that are under the inserts and operative to urge the member upwards into an operative position wherein the reservoir is in direct communication with the lower peripheral portion of the journal, and an inertia type pump unit associated with the frame and member, embodying relatively movable casing and plunger parts, having an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and an outlet provided with means for connecting it to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to jarring or jolting of the box to pump lubricant from the sump into the reservoir for application to the journal.

9. In combination with a railway journal box having a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant and an axle opening in the central portion of one of its end walls, and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal above the sump; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box and comprising a frame resting on the bottom wall of the journal box, a trough-like member positioned above the frame, formed of resilient rubbery material, provided along the side and end margins thereof with upstanding integral journal engaging lips that define an open top reservoir between them, and embodying within, and transversely of, the reservoir a pair of spaced apart rigid inserts with tiltable rigid crescent shaped journal engaging members in their upper portions, vertically extending compression springs extending between the frame and the portions of the trough-like member that are under the inserts and operative to urge the member upwards into an operative position wherein the reservoir is in direct communication with the lower peripheral portion of the journal, and an inertia type pump unit associated with the frame and member, embodying relatively movable casing and plunger parts, having an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and an outlet provided with means for connecting it to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to jarring or jolting of the box to pump lubricant from the sump into the reservoir for application to the journal.

10. In combination with a railway journal box having an access opening in the upper portion of its outer end wall, a sump over the bottom wall thereof for fluid lubricant, and an axle opening in the central portion of its inner end wall, and a horizontal axle having one end thereof extending through said axle opening and provided in the journal box with a journal that is positioned above the sump and has its outer end spaced inwards of said outer end of the journal box; a lubricating device disposed in the lower portion of the journal box, adapted to be inserted into place and removed therefrom via said access opening, and comprising a horizontally elongated frame resting on, and extending lengthwise of, the bottom wall of the journal box, a trough-like member positioned above the frame and shaped to form a lubricant reservoir around, and in direct communication with, the lower peripheral portion of the journal, vertically extending spiral compression springs disposed between the frame and the member and adapted to urge the member upwards into operative relation with the journal, means for holding the trough-like member against lateral displacement relatively to the frame while at the same time permitting the member to be collapsed against the frame consisting of a pair of flexible elements extending diagonally in opposite directions and transversely of the frame and having the lower ends thereof anchored to the frame and their upper ends anchored to the member, means for holding the trough-like member against longitudinal displacement relatively to the frame while at the same time permitting said member to be collapsed against the frame consisting of a pair of flexible elements extending diagonally in opposite directions and lengthwise of the frame and having the lower ends thereof anchored to the frame and their upper ends anchored to the member, and an inertia type pump unit associated with the frame and member, embodying relatively movable easlug and plunger parts, having an inlet provided with means for connecting it to the sump and an outlet provided with means for connecting it to the reservoir, and operative automatically in response to jarring or jolting of the box to pump lubricant from the sump into the reservoir for application to the journal.

11. The combination of claim 10 together with releasable means for holding the trough-like member in a collapsed position adjacent the frame in order to facilitate insertion of the device into and out of place.

12. In combination, a rotatable journal, a trough adapted to contain a lubricant, yielding means for biasing the trough against a portion of the periphery of the journal, rigid spacer means disposed between the trough and the journal and entirely enclosed within the confines of said trough, flexible lips encircling the trough and in yielding engagement with the journal, said spacer means including at least one spacer block tiltably mounted in the trough and contoured to engage the journal periphery.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the trough is formed of flexible rubber-like material, and the flexible lips are integral with the trough and are of tapered cross sectional shape so as to form feather edges for contacting the journal.

14. In combination, a journal box, a horizontal journal rot abl therein, a rin b ck in the x engaging the upper portion of the periphery of the journal, a trough yieldingly biased against the lower portion of the periphery of the journal, a lubricant reservoir in the lower portion of the journal box and beneath the journal trough, a d a in rt a Pump slos t y n, a d sponsive to horizontal and vertical movement of, the journal box for pumping lubricant from the reservoir to the trough, a member arranged pivotally to support the Pump f up a d d wn an i e-W e m e in the journal box, and means for limiting such movement of he em References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 256,997 Godley Apr. 25, 1882 891,928 Godley June 30, 1908 1,265,199 Hennessy May 7, 1918 1,703,983 Braselton Mar. 5, 1929 FORE G TE 7,172 Great Britain 1890 278,634 Great Britain Oct. 13, 1927 165,655 Germany Sept. 13, 1904 628 Ge m y P 4, 1936 

